IAF training in Greece

The IAF is training in Greece.

"In Israel we know every hill and every mountain and are less preoccupied with the elements of flying. We're not preoccupied with navigational orientation, which is an important component of flying", says Lieutenant Colonel Gadi, Commander of the "Rolling Sword" squadron and commander of the temporary squadron in Greece that includes Blackhawk and Apache-Longbow pilots. "Within two or three years, the average helicopter pilot has flown through the area so many times that he's not surprised anymore. Here we have no idea. I don't know the place and I need to study the territory extensively". 

But it wasn't only for the element of surprise that the helicopters flew over to the other side of the Mediterranean Sea. It's very difficult not to bow your head in respect when standing at the foot of the 2,900 meter Olympus Mountain. Major Gad: "Flying through high mountains is more complicated and requires more power. There are winds, powerful whirlwinds, and it's difficult to maneuver the helicopter".

In the adjacent line, the combat helicopter formation is also watching the home of Zeus. "The higher the helicopter climbs, the more difficult it is for it", says Captain Or, Deputy Commander of the "Hornet" squadron. "That said, we were pleasantly surprised: The helicopter functioned a lot better than we expected and we must've been well prepared for the exercise and learned how to not to push ourselves into corners. Regardless, the helicopter makes it easier for you. It knows how to respond when it's crunch time. It tells you how much power you need, what you need in order to fly, and what it limits are at that time".

Along with the helicopters are members of Israel's unit 669 - the search and rescue teams.  

Kneeling close to the ground, Unit 669 Search & Rescue combat teams are scattered in the backyard of the base. The crews are in the grove near by the Squadron's building and are training together with their Greek counterparts - Unit 31. 

The training in the grove is just the warm-up. Not much time passes until the real-deal arrives: rescue and evacuation sorties performed by integrated crews of Greeks and Israelis. The "ride" was mixed as well: one performed by an Israeli Uh-60 Blackhawk, the other by a Greek UH-1.

"Flying in a different aircraft is a little weird", says First Sergeant Yinon, Commander of the 669 crew, "there are technical differences between the helicopters: the seating arrangements and the way the equipment is organized. The flying is different mostly because of the communication with the pilots. We're used to understanding where we're going and knowing what's going to happen. On the Greek helicopters only the in-flight mechanics hear the signal operator and we have no idea what's going on".

Helicopter crews training for search and rescue missions in mountainous terrain? Hmmm.